Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has appointed a new Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS), a move widely seen as part of efforts to stabilise governance after months of political tension in the state.
The appointments were announced on Thursday in Port Harcourt in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi. According to the statement, Dagogo S. A. Wokoma was named Secretary to the State Government, while Sunny Ewule, a legal practitioner, was appointed Chief of Staff. Both appointments took immediate effect.
The statement added that the new appointees would be sworn in at 2:00 pm on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Port Harcourt, before formally assuming their duties.
Governor Fubara had earlier relieved several senior aides of their positions, including the former Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, and the former SSG, Benibo Anabraba, following the prolonged political crisis in the state and the Abuja-brokered peace agreement.
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Political observers say the latest appointments mark a reset in the governor’s inner circle as he seeks to rebuild trust and ensure smoother coordination within the executive arm of government.
The development comes a day after Governor Fubara publicly reaffirmed his willingness to work with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including newly elected lawmakers from the opposition.
“I look forward to working with them and their colleagues in the Rivers State House of Assembly for the progress of our state,” the governor said while congratulating winners of recent bye-elections.
Fubara was reacting to the emergence of Ukalikpe Napoleon and Loolo Bulabari Henrietta, who won the February 21 bye-elections conducted by Independent National Electoral Commission. The polls filled vacant seats in Ahoada East State Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II.
Both lawmakers were elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, with Napoleon clinching victory in Ahoada East and Henrietta emerging winner in Khana.
Describing their victories as well deserved, the governor urged the new legislators to justify the confidence placed in them by their constituents. “It is the beauty of democracy,” Fubara said. “When the people believe in your capacity, they will give you their votes.”
He also commended residents of Ahoada East and Khana for maintaining peace before, during and after the elections, describing their conduct as a sign of democratic maturity.
With the appointment of a new SSG and Chief of Staff, and a public olive branch extended to the state legislature, analysts say Governor Fubara appears to be laying the groundwork for a more cooperative political environment as Rivers State moves beyond its recent turmoil.
